Casa do Xiné

Before you stands the Casa do Infante, a magnificent building with a rich and intricate history. Right here, in this very spot, the legend of Portugal’s most celebrated explorer began. Built in 1325, this grand structure served as the Porto customshouse for over five centuries. The Casa do Infante’s grandeur and strategic location on the riverside made it the most notable royal building in the city, which is why it is believed to be the birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator in 1394. The building’s towering height and intricate architecture are a testament to its importance for the trade and naval dominance of the time, as it was the place where merchants from all over Europe gathered to trade their goods. It is said that Henry’s parents, King John I and Queen Philippa, chose this very spot to bring their son into the world. The house also served as living quarters for royal employees, which suggests that the court occupied the building at the time of his birth. As the most prominent royal building in Porto, it was the perfect place to welcome the future Prince of Portugal. Sadly, Henry’s legacy is also intertwined with the tragic story of the African slave trade, a dark chapter in history that was unfortunately fostered by some of the advancements made in the field of nautical exploration. Despite his nickname of Navigator, Henry never went on a voyage himself, but he did contribute to the advancements of shipbuilding. He sponsored naval expeditions that led to the discovery of the African coast and further encouraged the exploration of the unknown, which ultimately helped Portugal rise to become a leading maritime power. This historic building stood as a testament to Portugal’s ambitions and its unwavering commitment to progress, and its lasting imprint on the world’s history. Today, the Casa do Infante is a museum and a municipal archive. It is a captivating venue that showcases the city’s rich maritime heritage.